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What You Should Never, Ever Do If You Have A Wart, According To Dermatologists

Woman with wart on shoulder

You probably associate warts with witches, frogs or any other number of unfairly maligned figures, but it's time to rip off the band-aid: Warts can literally happen to anyone, whether or not they hang out on lily pads or commute via broomstick.

"A wart is a benign (non-cancerous) skin growth that can occur anywhere on the body. It is a result of the human papillomavirus (HPV)," Dr. Mamina Turegano, triple-board-certified dermatologist, internist and dermatopathologist in Metairie, Louisiana, tells Parade. "There are over 100 strains of HPV, but a few different types cause warts on the skin. HPV resides in the epidermis (the top layer of the skin) and sends signals to skin cells to proliferate, creating firm growths that become warts."

Warts come in a lot of shapes, sizes and types, Dr. Turegano says, and can feel rough or smooth to the touch and even have "finger-like projections." Related: Does HPV Go Away On Its Own?

According to Dr. Ben Hayes, board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist and cofounder of the Skin & Allergy Center in Spring Hill, Tennessee, the "common wart" is raised and scaly, while thin bumps are called "flat warts." If you're truly unlucky, you may get what's called a "filiform wart," which he describes as having "an artichoke-like appearance" (minus being delicious and nutritious).

There's also another type of wart you likely heard about at some point in sex ed: genital warts, which Dr. Hayes says can appear after sexual contact, mainly in the groin and buttocks region.

Dr. Turegano says that warts differ from other blemishes like acne in two key ways: "Warts are actual growths on the skin, whereas blemishes, like acne, are usually swollen or red as a result of inflammation. Once the inflammation is gone, then the blemish can reside. Warts, on the other hand, can persist for years."

Now that you know what they are, know that if you have a wart (or warts!), don't panic—you're not alone, and you're not dying. That said, there are a few things you'll want to avoid if you do have a wart or several.

Related: The Five Most Common Types of Warts and How to Treat Them

What You Should Never, Ever Do if You Have a Wart, According to Dermatologists Don't pick at, scratch or shave your warts

Listen, we get the temptation, but resist! Dr. Turegano explains, "Warts are technically contagious, so scratching your warts or shaving over them can spread them to other parts of the skin." Dr. Hayes says scratching your warts can lead to more warts showing up on your cuticles and even under your fingernails.

Don't bite your fingernails

If you have a habit of scratching your warts, don't bite your nails, Dr. Hayes warns, or you can spread warts to your mouth (including your lips and tongue!) and face.

Don't skimp on washing your hands

If we learned anything from the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, it's that handwashing can save lives. In this case, it can also curb the spread of warts. If you touch a wart, wash your hands thoroughly and immediately if possible so you don't spread the virus to other parts of your body—or to other people with whom you come in contact.

Related: What to Know About Cystic Acne—Including How to Treat It

Don't walk around barefoot

If you have warts on your feet, Dr. Turegano warns, please never share your shoes or walk around barefoot in public—or you can spread them to others doing the same.

And yes, we get that it can be tricky at times, but you're not off the hook: If you're going to the pool or beach or using a public or communal shower, try to keep your flip-flops on or invest in a nifty pair of water shoes.

Related: Why Your Feet Are Peeling, What To Do About It

Don't use the same grooming tools or devices on your warts that you do on the rest of your body

Dr. Hayes says that using the same file, emery board, pumice stone or nail clippers on your warts as you use on your healthy skin and nails can spread your warts to other parts of your body. Instead, he recommends, "Use a disposable instrument or mark it clearly with tape or a permanent marker to identify it. Soak in isopropyl alcohol to disinfect between treatments."

Related: Do Pimple Patches Actually Work?

Don't wait to seek treatment for your warts

If you have warts, Dr. Hayes recommends seeing your physician ASAP for treatment to prevent them from spreading throughout your body.

Treatments for warts can vary depending on the type you have, how many you have, where you have them and what your dermatologist recommends, according to Dr. Hayes.

"Don't be afraid to ask for options, especially if you have already failed a method(s) from previous treatments," he notes. "Be aware that warts are difficult to eradicate in one treatment, and it often takes several visits to clear the skin completely."

That said, the methods include invasive (like surgical removal through curetting, as well as injections) and non-invasive treatments (usually topicals).

"We most often freeze warts with liquid nitrogen (cryotherapy) in the office," Dr. Turegano says. "Other treatments we provide are prescription strength salicylic acid, usually compounded with a chemotherapy agent, 5-fluorouracil, or we may do an injection medicine to create an immune response against the wart."

If you want to take matters into your own hands first, you have options there too, but they won't necessarily be as effective as what your dermatologist can do. Still, they can be decent in a pinch, especially if you can't squeeze in an appointment right away.

"Over-the-counter treatments include salicylic acid topical meds — they can be liquid or in a pad sticker," Dr. Turegano says. "Keeping the warts covered with duct tape is also helpful."

Next, Got Bacne? How to Get Rid of Acne and Breakouts on Your Body

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Ideal Therapy For Warts

Based on 40 previous clinical trials researchers observed that the standard treatment for viral warts to be the best option. They say that topical treatments containing salicylic acid remain the treatment of choice for this common medical condition. Viral warts are benign lesions of the skin that will usually clear up eventually on their own. Anyhow, warts that appear on hands or feet can cause social problems for people because those are on such visible parts of the body. Warts on the bottom of the feet or near finger-or toenails can be painful. Many treatments developed over the years have claimed to cure warts, but scientific evidence on their worth has been lacking.

Researchers reviewed studies available on warts in an attempt to determine which treatments were most advantageous. Their analysis, however, showed many of the studies contained poor methodology and reporting, making answers hard to determine.

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The best evidence in the collective studies pointed to salicylic acid, which has been used for years to treat the condition. Data pooled from the studies show a 60 percent cure rate. Researchers found no measurable benefit for any other common treatments, including cryotherapy, although treatment with the contact desensitizer dinitrochlorobenzene did show some positive effects. However, they say side effects associated with dinitrochlorobenzene, such as irritation and blistering, make it an unlikely replacement for salicylic acid. Simple topical treatments containing salicylic acid seem to be both effective and safe.

'I Can Not Part From My Space Heater': Dermatologist Shares Which Common Products She Would Never Use

A dermatologist has some tips for better skin, and many are taking note.

In a viral TikTok video with over 6.4 million views and thousands of likes, user Dr. Jean Charles (@skinyoureinblog) listed five things she would never do as a board-certified dermatologist.

The doctor's first rule seemed pretty straightforward.

"I would never pick at or chew on any warts that I may have," she said.

The doc explained that these types of growths are caused by a viral infection and should be carefully cared for.

"Warts are caused by the HPV virus and can be easily spread when you pick at them," the woman continued. "And can result in multiple warts from just one wart."

The dermatologist said she treated multiple patients who chewed on their warts and developed warts around their mouths. She recommends applying over-the-counter medication called Compound W to any warts that appear on the skin and covering it with duct tape at night. If a couple months go by and the wart does not go away on its own, a doctor should be consulted for other treatment options.

The useful tips didn't end there.

"I would never use heating pads or space heaters for a prolonged period of time," the doc continued.

This is because the heat exposure can result in a rash called Erythema Abi Igne, which can cause "permanent discoloration and in some cases can also cause some skin cancers to form within that rash," she explained.

The third tip touched on a very popular product: disposable wipes.

"I would never use any kind of flushable wipes, especially when cleaning down there," Dr. Charles said.

The popular product was reportedly the cause of numerous cases of contact dermatitis treated by the skin care professional.

"It contains fragrances as well as preservatives that are known contact allergens," she explained. "The itch can be unbearable."

The doctor also claimed that she would never use natural deodorants, because they tend to contain a lot of essential oils and scents that can cause cases. Instead, she recommended targeting bacteria in sweaty areas by using a benzoyl peroxide washes. She concluded the video with a final tip: never walk outside without shoes, especially in public places.

"That's how people tend to get warts on their feet," she said. "You can also get foot fungus on your feet."

In the comments section, there were mixed reactions to the dermatologist's tips, though many found them to be useful.

"I can not part from my space heater," user tnw7800 commented.

"I'm sorry, but I find it hard to believe that natural deodorant has more fragrance than antiperspirant," user Hope Lucas said.

Some even offered their own tips.

@skinyoureinblog nothing gives me the ick more than seeing people walk barefoot through the airport 🤢🙅🏽‍♀️#5thingsiwouldneverdo #dermdoctor #footfungus #toenailfungus #naturaldeodorant #warts #wartremoval #spaceheater #greenscreen #dermatologist ♬ Ariana Grande Last Christmas Showmusik Dance Remix – Showmusik

"I had warts as a kid," user My Banema commented. "Vaseline around the wart, raw piece of garlic on top, and a bandaid over night. Goes away in 1-3 days!"

"If you are getting a rash from natural deodorant it's because of the baking soda!" another user added. "Get baking soda free natural deodorant & no rash."

The Daily Dot reached out to Dr. Jean Charles for comment and further information.

*First Published: Dec 29, 2023, 9:00 pm CST

Tiffanie Drayton

Tiffanie Drayton is a geek culture and lifestyle reporter whose work covers everything from gender and race to anime and Xbox. Her work has appeared in Complex, Salon, Marie Claire, Playboy, and elsewhere.

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